Early Life & Education
Born on February 9, 1975, in Hyderabad, India, Sumanth is the son of Surendra Yarlagadda, a former film producer, and Satyavathi Akkineni. As the eldest grandson of the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sumanth was raised by his grandfather, who wished to experience fatherhood more fully through his grandson.
He completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School in 1991. Initially enrolling in an engineering program in Michigan, USA, Sumanth later shifted his focus to the arts, earning a B.A. in Film Studies from Columbia College Chicago in 1997.
Family & Personal Life
Sumanth hails from the illustrious Akkineni-Daggubati family. His sister, Supriya Yarlagadda, serves as the executive director of Annapurna Studios. He is the nephew of actor Nagarjuna Akkineni and cousin to actors Naga Chaitanya, Akhil Akkineni, and Sushanth.
In August 2004, Sumanth married actress Keerthi Reddy. The couple amicably divorced in 2006. In 2021, rumors about a second marriage surfaced, but Sumanth clarified that these were related to a film project and not his personal life.
Film Career
Sumanth debuted in 1999 with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Prema Katha,” earning critical acclaim and multiple Nandi Awards despite modest box office results. He gained commercial success with films like “Satyam” (2003) and “Gowri” (2004). His role in Sekhar Kammula’s “Godavari” (2006) is considered a career-defining performance.
After a series of mixed successes, Sumanth made a notable comeback with “Malli Raava” (2017), which was well-received by audiences and critics alike. He continued to impress with his performance in “Sita Ramam” (2022), portraying Brigadier Vishnu Sharma.
Business Ventures
Beyond acting, Sumanth is a partner at Annapurna Studios, a leading film production company in Hyderabad. He is also associated with SS Creations, further showcasing his involvement in the film industry.
Net Worth
Estimates of Sumanth’s net worth vary. Some sources suggest it is around $50 million , while others estimate it to be approximately $10 million . These figures reflect his earnings from acting, production ventures, and business interests.
Hobbies & Lifestyle
Sumanth maintains a disciplined lifestyle, emphasizing fitness and health. He is known for his love of reading and traveling, often sharing glimpses of his adventures on social media.
Selected Filmography
- Prema Katha (1999)
- Satyam (2003)
- Gowri (2004)
- Godavari (2006)
- Malli Raava (2017)
- Sita Ramam (2022)
Sumanth continues to be a respected figure in Telugu cinema, known for his dedication to the craft and his contributions both in front of and behind the camera.
